Report #6911 - Report: Tanbark Borer (Phymatodes testaceus)

Tanbark Borer (Phymatodes testaceus) on Mar 25, 2025

Originally reported as Asian Longhorned Beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis)

Submitter has sample

Description of specimen

We've found maybe 15-20 of these beetles in our house, just in the past week or so. Prior to that, I can't remember ever seeing one inside the house. Searching images online, it looks very similar to several different species of longhorned beetle, but I can't tell which one. We had some firewood in our house, and took it out in case that was the source, but we have seen a few more since then.

Commentary

Thank you for your report! Yes, you're correct that it's a longhorned beetle. We've got many native species that are not pests, a number of invasive species and also some we are looking out for like Asian Longhorned beetle. Fortunately this is not ALB. This is the tanbark borer, Phymatodes testaceus, one of the invasives that is already here to stay. If your firewood was oak, then that most likely is the source of the beetles. They won't harm your house or living trees; this one breeds in dead branches of oaks and some other hardwoods. The main way borers like these get moved around is in firewood, so you can help by not moving untreated raw wood around and encouraging friends and family to be cautious, too. Thanks for being alert for invasive species!

Tom Valente
March 26, 2025, 9:42 a.m.

Tanbark Borer (Phymatodes testaceus) on Mar 25, 2025

Description of specimen

Commentary

Location

Expert Reviewer